Hinamatsuri

May 3rd is a girl's day in Japan. It is a day of celebration in which parents decorate odairisama and wish for good health of girls. Girls invite their girl friends, have some snack, little bit of sake( why not, ha) and show off their hinamatsuri decoration.
my aunt has a 7 stage odairisama which consists of:
1. Prince & princess
2. Three girl servants, every girl needs them.
3. Five musicians
4. Two royal guards and feast
5. Three male servants, maybe for the prince
6&7. gifts/offerings/possession?

She also made them herself. The size of decoration varies from house to house. She had them out earlier than usual to show jamie how to set them up.

its almost plum tree season

Japan is known for its cherry blossom but before we get to that, there is an underrated tree which is as beautiful as cherry blossom, the plum tree. Plum tree season is right before the cherry blossom season. However due to the unusually cold weather, when we went to this park with yuko's aunt & uncle, they were just starting to bud.

Making sushi

yesterday i had the pleasure of learning the art of how to make hako sushi. this sushi is made using a little wooden box that gives the sushi its shape. first: you add the fish (aji, mackrel family). second: add grated ginger. third: cover with rice. forth: add shiso (green leafy veg.). then cover with rice again. after you put all the ingredients in the box you then place the vinegar covered lid on top and press(the vinegar keeps the rice from sticking to the lid). take the lid off and cut.

time to eat. ikadaki mas!

a walk through the garden...

Japanese hi-tech toilet

Almost all Japanese houses are equipped with this gadget. Basically after you have done your deed, sit back, relax and press the button (either for your butt or for girls.) Water sprinkles upwards and wash away your sin. Jamie screamed like a girl the first time he tried...

hooked on sudoku

my aunt inrtoduced me to this puzzle which i'm completely hooked on.

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www.websudoku.com
The rules of Sudoku are simple. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.
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if you have time, try it. i've been playing all day, since i got plenty of time, haha.